Which Engine Oil?

[Alamo]

Hi All

Tried doing a search for the answer to this, but for some reason or other the search facility doesn't seem to be working.

I'm planning on doing an engine oil (and filter) change over the weekend and wondered what oil I should use. Mineral, Synthetic, Semi Synthetic, 15W40, 10W40.........?

Thanks in advance for answers.

Alan.

[That Ruddy Squirrel]

Hi Alan,

15/40 Semi synth should be fine.


Trev

[Alamo]

That was quick mate, thanks very much.

AL

[hellmett]

Re

Or, if you want a smoother quieter ride then stick some 15W40 Mineral in it!

I did, it is deffo smoother and quieter!

Only downside is you need to change it more often!

Gary

[Alamo]

Thanks Gary

A classic car fanatic neighbour of mine suggested using mineral for much the same reasons as yourself, but he also tells me its pretty hard to find it locally these days. Will take a look around at whats available over the weekend.

Cheers

AL

[MattF]

Thanks Gary

A classic car fanatic neighbour of mine suggested using mineral for much the same reasons as yourself, but he also tells me its pretty hard to find it locally these days. Will take a look around at whats available over the weekend.

Cheers

AL

Usually most petrol stations or motor factors sell the bog standard mineral oil. If not, look for a heating oil distributor or supplier. They usually tend to supply lubricating oils too.

[Alamo]

Thanks for the heads-up MattF about the heating oil distributors.....got one of those not far from me but hadn't given it a thought. Both local filling stations only stock fully synthetic in 1L top-up bottles. Heating oil distributor did stock mineral oil, but only in 25L drums so went for the 15W40 semi synth.

Job now done, thanks all.

AL

[mickey]

Before you go chucking mineral oil in, i'd be carefull to ensure it's compatable with turbo engines. I "think" I read somewhere that in such cases, semi-synthetic should be used, but I can't recall the reasoning?

Some of the guys recommend Magnatec, but its not cheap. Personally, I use a cheap 10/40 semi synthetic, but change it regularly.

[hellmett]

Before you go chucking mineral oil in, i'd be carefull to ensure it's compatable with turbo engines. I "think" I read somewhere that in such cases, semi-synthetic should be used, but I can't recall the reasoning?

Some of the guys recommend Magnatec, but its not cheap. Personally, I use a cheap 10/40 semi synthetic, but change it regularly.

When most of our 1992/93 2nd Gens rolled out of the factory in Japan they had mineral oil in them!

I can't see it doing any harm, besides the vehicle runs far better!

Go figure!

Gary

[BUSHWHACKER]

The Japs seem to use low ash content oils as well.

[hellmett]

Re

Hey Vince!

Do you ever go to work?

LOL

[BUSHWHACKER]

Hey Vince!

Do you ever go to work?

LOL

Nope, got investments that work for me.

[mickey]

Well, if the engine will run better on mineral oil, then I guess thats what i'll use in future. I'm all for low tech if it'll do the job, but what the hell is "low ash?" Probably I read the "something" relating to turbo motors requiring semi synthetic incorrectly, so excuse my ignorance. I'm more concearned about what they are sticking in our fuels these days! Can a basic lump like a KTZ whatever it is, cope with this modern stuff?

Serious note though..Are some mineral oils "low ash", or is that just a Jap thing?

[BUSHWHACKER]

Well, if the engine will run better on mineral oil, then I guess thats what i'll use in future. I'm all for low tech if it'll do the job, but what the hell is "low ash?" Probably I read the "something" relating to turbo motors requiring semi synthetic incorrectly, so excuse my ignorance. I'm more concearned about what they are sticking in our fuels these days! Can a basic lump like a KTZ whatever it is, cope with this modern stuff?

Serious note though..Are some mineral oils "low ash", or is that just a Jap thing?

Low ash" refers to the amount of solid material that is left behind when the oil burns. By reducing the ash content, oil manufacturers will help cut down the amount of deposits left in your engine, which will diminish wear and reduce emissions.

[AlexT]

When most of our 1992/93 2nd Gens rolled out of the factory in Japan they had mineral oil in them!

I can't see it doing any harm, besides the vehicle runs far better!

Go figure!

Gary

Holy thread revival batman! Was just nosing around for what people thought about which oils to use.
Anyway - reason for the post - I recall correctly, you use mineral oil to run an engine in (not sure how long this period was for surfs) and then switch to whatever oil the engine will then use for the rest of its lifespan... so it'd be only natural for a car to roll off the factory floor with mineral oil.

not that I've ever built or rebuilt an engine in my life, or owned a 'new' car